Free flamenco master class Feb. 4 at Valéncia Arts Center

Winona, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s “Off The Page Series” and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host a flamenco dance master class with Deborah Elias of Danza Española 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The free class is open to dancers and dance enthusiasts ages 11 to adult. No experience is necessary. Students will learn expressive, rhythmic and creative Spanish dances to live music from the Danza Española musicians. Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing and hard-soled shoes. To register, call (507) 453-5500.

Guest artist Deborah Elias is a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s juried Arts in Education Roster of Artists, and has taught at Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and the University of Minnesota. She also performs and choreographs with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. She recently presented, in conjunction with the Winona Public Library, The Moon’s Desire, a collaboration that revolved around the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorća.

Flamenco is an exciting and energetic art form from southern Spain that embodies rich cultural influences of the Andalusian, Gypsy, Islamic and Sephardic cultures that have lived there through history. The dancer’s rhythmic footwork, graceful arm and hand movements, and hand clapping are accompanied by the powerful strumming and soulful chords of the guitar to express a wide variety of styles, or palos, from the most serious cante jondo, to the light-hearted cante chico.

The SMU “Off the Page Series” will present a performance by Deborah Elias and Danza Española in the Valéncia Arts Center Academy Theatre, Friday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call (507) 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Saint Mary’s announces fall 2011-12 dean’s list

WINONA, Minn. — The following students were named to the first semester, 2011-12 dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. The list includes undergraduate students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Kelsi Addabbo, Owatonna, Minn.
Katherine Adelman, Bellingham, Minn.
Sarah Adie, Chanhassen, Minn.
Marta Aleszewicz, Luban, Poland
Margaret Allexsaht, Minneapolis, Minn.
Andrea Allis, Wells, Minn.
Sarah Anderson, Lino Lakes, Minn.
Andrew Anger, South Milwaukee, Wis.
Elizabeth Arnold, Cincinnati, Ohio
Luke Baertlein, Mazeppa, Minn.
Lauren Baier, Mount Horeb, Wis.
Brittany Barnes, Fairmont, Minn.
Julianne Bartosz, Mokena, Ill.
Abbie Bauernfeind, Rosemount, Minn.
Richard Baustian, Dell Rapids, S.D.
Nick Beaudoin, Inver Grove Hgts, Minn.
Leann Benson, Roseville, Minn.
Morgan Berg, Cannon Falls, Minn.
Cassandra Berning, Cuba City, Wis.
Reikel Biechler, Ames, Iowa
Gregory Bim-Merle, Michigan City, Ind.
Ellen Bina, St. Paul, Minn.
Jacob Bina, West Salem, Wis.
Aleah Bingham, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Brianna Bloomquist, Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Ashley Blum, Buffalo City, Wis.
Melinda Boettger, Owatonna, Minn.
James Boggia, Elmwood Park, Ill.
Jarod Boltjes, Worthington, Minn.
Peter Borash, Bowlus, Minn.
David Borgen, Red Wing, Minn.
Jill Borntrager, Elk River, Minn.
Jessica Bouska, Chatfield, Minn.
Kelsey Brekke, Duluth, Minn.
Sarah Broin, West Concord, Minn.
Jesse Brokken, Harmony, Minn.
Lorelle Brune, Sterling, Ill.
Kathleen Bryant, Carson City, Nev.
Kaylee Bunne, Le Roy, Minn.
Kassondra Burtis, Fairmont, Minn.
Desiree Caballero, Faribault, Minn.
Timothy Cahalan, Saint Paul, Minn.
Samuel Callisto, Woodbury, Minn.
Jenna Capelle, Rochester, Minn.
Steven Carlevato, Woodridge, Ill.
Kacey Carlson, Chanhassen, Minn.
Morgan Carlson, Theilman, Minn.
Michelle Carne, Escanaba, Mich
Paige Carter, Rosemount, Minn.
Ashley Cermak, Burnsville, Minn.
Yue Chang, Yancheng, China
Long Chen, Mian Xian County, China
Nicole Ciulla, Plover, Wis.
Caitlyn Cole, Larsen, Wis.
Kelsey Collins, Apple Valley, Minn.
Sarah Collova, Maplewood, Minn.
Thomas Conry, Waunakee, Wis.
Hannah Cooling, Madelia, Minn.
Clinton Coulter, Philo, Ill.
Cody Cuhel, Winsted, Minn.
Hannah Dahlman, Braham, Minn.
Samantha Dahlstrom, Rochester, Minn.
Chelseanne Davidson, Stacy, Minn.
Daniel Davis, Ossian, Ind.
Sampson Davis, Bayport, Minn.
Stephen DeBoer, Brookings, S.D
Shelby DeWall, Caledonia, Minn.
David Dean, Wayzata, Minn.
Emily Degallier, Fountain City, Wis.
Jacquelyn Delfosse, Grafton, Wis.
Bradley Denney, Fishers, Ind.
Joseph Desrocher, Eagan, Minn.
Kelsey Diepenbrock, Lake City, Minn.
Brian Dillon, Arden Hills, Minn.
Mary Doctor, Aurora, Ill.
Michael Dold, St. Cloud, Minn.
Luc Dompierre, New Brighton, Minn.
Jessica Drake, N. St. Paul, Minn.
Anne Drazkowski, Winona, Minn.
Nickolaus Dvorak, Lakeville, Minn.
John Dwyer, Minnetonka, Minn.
Rachel Elbert, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Kelsey Engesser, Blue Earth, Minn.
Trevor Erickson, Sparta, Wis.
Luis Escobar, Madelia, Minn.
Santiago Escobar, Madelia, Minn.
Augustine Esterhammer-Fic, Chicago, Ill.
Dylan Ethen, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Darrell Fair, Woodridge, Ill.
Emily Fasen, Big Lake, Minn.
David Feather, Oak Creek, Wis.
Maxwell Ferguson, Arcadia, Wis.
Marie Fidler, Woodbury, Minn.
Stefanie Fiek, Rochester, Minn.
Morgan Fournier, Maple Lake, Minn.
Julie Frederickson, Winona, Minn.
Gregory Freeman, Aurora, Ill.
Janae Fry, Burr Ridge, Ill.
Simone Fuller, Bloomington, Minn.
Erin Gallagher, Woodbury, Minn.
Loren Galloway, Aurora, Ill.
Cynthia Garcia, Chicago, Ill.
Gregory Gardiner, Calgary, Canada
Anthony Garoutte, Muscoda, Wis.
Amanda Gehrman, Stevens Point, Wis.
Mary Gerty, Lindstrom, Minn.
Samantha Gibson, Preston, Minn.
Jessica Giers, Winona, Minn.
Alexander Gilbertson, Morristown, Minn.
Nora Gilson, Saint Paul, Minn.
Maria Glenski, Pequot Lakes, Minn.
Anne Goedtke, Comfrey, Minn.
Shea Goetting, Brownsville, Minn.
Matthew Gorgone, Greenville, R.I.
Scott Graphenteen, Minnetrista, Minn.
Molly Grover, Zumbrota, Minn.
Sarah Grundhoefer, W. Saint Paul, Minn.
Gabriel Grundtner, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Jared Haider, Forest Lake, Minn.
Aaron Haley, Plainview, Minn.
Nicole Haley, Plainview, Minn.
Kevin Halpin, Bartlett, Ill.
Alexis Hamilton, Victoria, Minn.
Keara Hannan, Roseville, Minn.
Taylor Hanson, Blaine, Minn.
Sophie Harrison, Minnetonka, Minn.
Bethany Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Kelsey Haugh, Box Elder, S.D
Erin Hauth, Springfield, Minn.
Thomas Healy, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
Nicole Heitmann, Hayward, Wis.
Megan Hellmann, Oshkosh, Wis.
Aaron Henry, Hastings, Minn.
Samantha Herbst, Osceola, Wis.
Timothy High, Goodview, Va.
Andrea Hillesheim, New Ulm, Minn.
Grace Hoffman, Saint Paul, Minn.
Krin Hoiland, Rushford, Minn.
Brianna Hughes, Chicago, Ill.
Kelsey Hulbert, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Cassandra Hulett, Milwaukee, Wis.
Erika Hurley, Chatfield, Minn.
Kenneth Jacks, Winona, Minn.
Andrew Jambura, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Paige Jenson, Lake Park, Minn.
Zhue Jia, Yinchuan, Ning Xia, China
Allison Johnson, Austin, Minn.
Tiearra Johnson, Justice, Ill.
Tiffany Johnson, Harmony, Minn.
Jacqueline Jones, Shoreview, Minn.
Jamie Jones, Omaha, Neb.
Jacinta Jude, Maple Lake, Minn.
Jordan Junker, Glenwood City, Wis.
Cree Kachelski, Elgin, Minn.
Laura Kay, Rush City, Minn.
Katelin Keck, Prior Lake, Minn.
Kaitlyn Keefe, Chatfield, Minn.
Sarah Kennedy, Wayzata, Minn.
Bead Kerr, Winona, Minn.
Charles Keyes, Mendota Heights, Minn.
Peter Kieffer, La Crosse, Wis.
Rebekah Kisrow, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Scott Klappa, Hopkins, Minn.
Mackenzie Klimek, Hastings, Minn.
Lauren Kopka, Robbinsdale, Minn.
Joshua Korver, Little Falls, Minn.
Matthew Kotek, La Crosse, Wis.
Cameron Koziarz, Western Springs, Ill.
Sarah Kraft, Rochester, Minn.
Rebecca Kring, Littleton, Colo.
Melanie Krivachek, Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Rebecca Krueger, Ashland, Wis.
Lucas Kubic, Coon Rapids, Minn.
Justyna Kujtkowska, Bogaczow, Poland
Rachel Kwiecinski, Vernon Hills, Ill.
Theresa LaValla, Saint Charles, Minn.
Sophia Lam, Burnsville, Minn.
Kate Larson, Winona, Minn.
Sabrina Larson-Bushlack, Mapleton, Minn.
Courtney Lee, Apple Valley, Minn.
Steven Lehn, Hokah, Minn.
Megan Leisen, Kellogg, Minn.
Joshua Lentner, Sauk Rapids, Minn.
Rochelle Lentz, Hermantown, Minn.
Yuepeng Li, Beijing, China
Megan Linder, Easton, Minn.
Amanda Lindholm, Bloomington, Minn.
Justin Loeffler, Winona, Minn.
Abby Lough, South Saint Paul, Minn.
Jessika Lukes, Lester Prairie, Minn.
Kyle Maas, Lacombe, Canada
Cory Madison, Cottonwood, Minn.
Janie Maki, Roseville, Minn.
Joanna Mangan, Chicago, Ill.
Taylor Marshall-Miernicki, Minneapolis, Minn.
Robert Marx, Sioux City, Iowa
Elyssa Mattson, Woodbury, Minn.
Mitchell May, Saint Cloud, Minn.
Angela Mazzuca, Saint Michael, Minn.
Kaitlyn McClay, Shakopee, Minn.
Peter McColl, Fountain City, Wis.
Haylie McComb, Highlands Ranch, Colo.
Timothy McDonald, Ham Lake, Minn.
Robert McGuire, Rochester, Minn.
Maurissa McNellis, South St Paul, Minn.
Rachel McQuiston, Golden Valley, Minn.
Ryan Menden, Shakopee, Minn.
Kathryn Metz, Maple Lake, Minn.
Andrew Meyer, Vail, Ariz.
Mary Mieszala, Chicago, Ill.
Katie Miller, Rochester, Minn.
Michael Miller, Lonsdale, Minn.
Joanna Mills, New Boston, Ill.
Mary Moats, Roland, Iowa
Andrea Moore, Winona, Minn.
Leah Mueller, Winona, Minn.
Sean Muller, Boerne, Texas
Emily Munns, St. Paul, Minn.
Joseph Nadeau, Winona, Minn.
Brianna Nelson, Ham Lake, Minn.
Natasha Nelson, Golden Valley, Minn.
Shannon Nelson, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Kathleen Newsome, Winona, Minn.
Minh Nguyen, Rochester, Minn.
Elizabeth Niedbala, Geneva, Ill.
Theresa Niedzwiecki, Long Prairie, Minn.
Collin Nienhaus, Winnebago, Minn.
Laura Nolte, Owatonna, Minn.
Emily Norton, Kellogg, Minn.
Andru O'Brien, Bloomington, Ill.
LeiLani Oas, Minnesota City, Minn.
Lisa Obasi, Woodbury, Minn.
Hailey Ohl, Bloomington, Minn.
Nicole Olson, New Brighton, Minn.
Abigail Osborne, Winthrop, Minn.
Heather Osen, Rogers, Minn.
Samantha Otto, Hampton, Minn.
Amanda Patt, Cedarburg, Wis.
Zane Pekron, Milesville, S.D.
Samuel Pflughoeft, Houston, Minn.
Michael Pica, Champaign, Ill.
Julie Pierce, Minneapolis, Minn.
Adam Polzin, Burnsville, Minn.
Laura Polzin, Burnsville, Minn.
Angela Powell, Stillwater, Minn.
Jaclyn Prondzinski, Galesville, Wis.
Agnieszka Prusak, Olawa, Poland
Gia Puch, Des Plaines, Ill.
James Purintun, River Falls, Wis.
Jenna Putz, Arcadia, Wis.
Matthew Pysh, Valparaiso, Ind.
Regina Quandt, Minneapolis, Minn.
Melissa Radermacher, Plymouth, Minn.
Andrew Rangitsch, Oakdale, Minn.
Jordan Ranstrom, Warren, Minn.
Naomi Rath, Easton, Minn.
Matthew Rebernick, Wauwatosa, Wis.
Erin Regan, Stillwater, Minn.
Matthew Regan, Crookston, Minn.
Lindsey Reinisch, Hastings, Minn.
Mary Reller, Owatonna, Minn.
Jennifer Rice, Champlin, Minn.
Matthew Rice, St. Cloud, Minn.
Meagan Rice, Champlin, Minn.
Joseph Richards, La Crosse, Wis.
Tesla Rodriquez, Winona, Minn.
Kyle Romanchuk, Anchorage, Ala.
Stephen Ronchak, Roseville, Minn.
Peter Ronning, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Gregory Rosno, W. St. Paul, Minn.
Valerie Ross, Hastings, Minn.
Bridget Ryan, Alsip, Ill.
Joseph Rysavy, Burnsville, Minn.
Lauren Salonek, Watertown, Minn.
Katherine Sapper, El Cajon, Calif.
Stephanie Schaub, La Crosse, Wis.
Samuel Schepers, Chaska, Minn.
John Schild, Winona, Minn.
Anne Schletty, Saint Paul, Minn.
Bethany Schmidt, Sparta, Wis.
Paul Schmitt, Sebeka, Minn.
Kelsey Schneider, Portland, Ore.
Danielle Scholbrock, Potosi, Wis.
Patricia Schommer, Rochester, Minn.
Jennifer Schrankler, Cottage Grove, Minn.
Blake Schuster, Mahtomedi, Minn.
Hannah Schwarze, W. St. Paul, Minn.
Benjamin Scott, Rochester, Minn.
Andrew Seifert, Andover, Minn.
Abby Shea, Plainview, Minn.
Evan Shockley, Omaha, Neb.
Chelsea Simon, Ham Lake, Minn.
Christopher Sindelar, Syracuse, Ind.
Zackary Sisk, Tremont, Ill.
Katherine Smith, Lake Geneva, Wis.
Timothy Smith, Windom, Minn.
Stephanie Solland, Albert Lea, Minn.
Anna Sonday, W. St. Paul, Minn.
John Soucheray, Woodbury, Minn.
Anthony Speltz, Rollingstone, Minn.
Christopher Speltz, Arcadia, Wis.
Daniel Spiess, Roseville, Minn.
Amy Spitzmueller, New Brighton, Minn.
Jill Spitzmueller, New Brighton, Minn.
David Spriegel, Gurnee, Ill.
Lauren Steffen, Eagan, Minn.
Emma Stenzel, Alden, Minn.
Rachel Stetenfeld, McFarland, Wis.
Marie Stier, Chatfield, Minn.
Katherine Stolz, Forest Lake, Minn.
Danielle Strebel, Green Bay, Wis.
Caroline Stringer, Saint Cloud, Minn.
Stephanie Sturges, Woodbury, Minn.
Jenna Sullivan, Woodbury, Minn.
Kristina Swanberg, Oakdale, Minn.
Curtis Swanson, Woodbury, Minn.
Patrick Sweet, Aurora, Ill.
Matthew Tessmer, West St. Paul, Minn.
Kristen Thelen, Rochester, Minn.
Gabriel Thiel, Berlin, Wis.
Ethan Thompson, Kellogg, Minn.
Linda Tierney, Cloquet, Minn.
Michaela Todd, Delano, Minn.
Jake Traxler, Le Sueur, Minn.
Matthew Traxler, Le Sueur, Minn.
Jenna Trio, Mapleton, Minn.
Lauren Ulbrich, Rochester, Minn.
Vincent Unklesbay, Maplewood, Minn.
Amanda Van Leeuwe, Ghent, Minn.
William Van Wagner, Madison, Wis.
Randall Vette, Spearfish, S.D.
Emily Vierling, Roseville, Minn.
Abby Voigt, Burnsville, Minn.
Christine Volk, Champlin, Minn.
Ryan Wagner, St. Paul, Minn.
Alexa Wallick, Eagan, Minn.
Yu Wang, Kunming, China
Yuanyuan Wang, Xi'an, China
Amanda Weber, White Bear Lake, Minn.
Camden Webster, Minnesota City, Minn.
Ian Weimer, Saint Paul, Minn.
Rebecca Welch, La Crescent, Minn.
Kara White, Winona, Minn.
Kristin Wilkes, Bradenton, Fla.
Sydney Wilkins, Seneca, Wis.
Christopher Williams, Chicago, Ill.
Marcus Wobschall, Waseca, Minn.
Michael Wolter, Antigo, Wis.
Grace Zachman, Elk River, Minn.
Santiago Zarate, Milwaukee, Wis.
Amy Zawacki, Eau Claire, Wis.
Tingting Zheng, Fujian, China
Abigail Zuzek, Hastings, Minn.
Katherine Zuzek, Hastings, Minn.

Local students named to dean’s list at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — The following Winona-area students were named to the first semester 2011-12 dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. The dean’s list includes 354 undergraduate students who earned a grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Ashley Blum, Buffalo City, Wis.
Emily Degallier, Fountain City, Wis.
Shelby DeWall, Caledonia, Minn.
Anne Drazkowski, Winona
Maxwell Ferguson, Arcadia, Wis.
Julie Frederickson, Winona
Jessica Giers, Winona
Aaron Haley, Plainview, Minn.
Nicole Haley, Plainview, Minn.
Timothy High, Goodview, Minn.
Krin Hoiland, Rushford, Minn.
Kenneth Jacks, Winona
Bead Kerr, Winona
Kate Larson, Winona
Theresa LaValla, Saint Charles, Minn.
Megan Leisen, Kellogg, Minn.
Justin Loeffler, Winona
Peter McColl, Fountain City, Wis.
Andrea Moore, Winona
Leah Mueller, Winona
Joseph Nadeau, Winona
Kathleen Newsome, Winona
Emily Norton, Kellogg, Minn.
Joan Oas, Minnesota City, Minn.
Samuel Pflughoeft, Houston, Minn.
Jaclyn Prondzinski, Galesville, Wis.
Jenna Putz, Arcadia, Wis.
Tesla Rodriquez, Winona
John Schild, Winona
Abby Shea, Plainview, Minn.
Anthony Speltz, Rollingstone, Minn.
Christopher Speltz, Arcadia, Wis.
Ethan Thompson, Kellogg, Minn.
Camden Webster, Minnesota City, Minn.
Rebecca Welch, La Crescent, Minn.
Kara White, Winona

SMU basketball team joins forces to fight spina bifida

WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary’s University men’s basketball team is joining with team alumnus Ryan Wockenfus ’11 in a fundraising effort to help fight spina bifida.

On May 19, Wockenfus, a current member of the SMU Admission staff in Winona, will be participating in the upcoming “Tough Mudder,” a hardcore, 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test athletes’ all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie.

The grueling event will take place in Somerset, Wis., and Wockenfus — whose younger sister, Kaley, was born with spina bifida in 1991 — will be a part of “Team Spina Bifida.”

“This is our chance to support my younger sister, along with all other individuals and families who have been affected by spina bifida,” said Wockenfus, a four-year member of both the SMU men’s basketball and track and field teams.

While Wockenfus will be tackling the “Tough Mudder” — and its underground mud tunnels, fire, ice-water, 12-foot walls and 10,000 volts of electricity — the Cardinal men’s basketball team will be doing its part during their Feb. 4 game against Macalester, beginning at 3 p.m.

The Cardinals will be soliciting pledges based on the Cardinals’ performance against the Scots in the “hustle areas” — offensive rebounds, assists, steals and drawing offensive fouls. (For example, if you pledge 10 cents, and the Cardinals total 11 offensive rebounds, 12 assists and four steals, you would donate $2.70.)

For more information, or to make a pledge, contact SMU men’s basketball coaches Todd Landrum (tlandrum@smumn.edu) or Kevin Landrum (klandrum@smumn.edu) or Ryan Wockenfus (rwockenf@smumn.edu). Pledges will also be accepted any time prior to the game on Feb. 4.

The Cardinals’ support of Wockenfus and his cause is the latest in a long line of partnerships for the men’s basketball team. In 2009, SMU teamed up with the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer awareness; in 2010, they joined forces with SMU alum Suzanne Deranek ’83 to help her make her $2,500 goal to participate in the three-day cancer walk; and last year they kicked off the Relay For Life event held on the SMU campus.

Saint Mary’s University announces December 2011 graduation list

WINONA, Minn. — The following Saint Mary’s University students completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in December 2011.

Sarah Bignell, Wabasha, Minn.
Riley Brown, St. Paul, Minn.
Long Chen, Mian Xian County, China
Danielle Cossetta, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Rachel Elbert, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Emily Gould, Bloomington, Minn.
Andrew Jambura, Wauwatosa, Wis.
John Kelly, Rochester, Minn.
Sarah Kraft, Rochester, Minn.
Jon Lamphere, Shakopee, Minn.
Maria Lanari, Delano, Minn.
Adam Lindsay, Fremont, Wis.
Cory Madison, Cottonwood, Minn.
Joanna Mangan, Chicago, Ill.
James McGuire, St. Paul, Minn.
Rachael McNary, Cannon Falls, Minn.
Heather Osen, Rogers, Minn.
Nicholas Schuld, Bloomingdale, Ill.
Lauren Ulbrich, Rochester, Minn.
Jacob Wanek, Winona, Minn.
Andrea Weyandt, Hastings, Minn.
Charles Williams, Eagan, Minn.
Tingting Zheng, Fujian, China
Yongyu Zhu, Jianysu, China

SMU 10K events scheduled for Jan. 29 and Feb. 19

WINONA, Minn. — This year the SMU 10K cross-country ski race will be held twice — on Sunday, Jan. 29, and Sunday, Feb. 19, at Saint Mary’s University.

On both dates, the public is invited to the classic-style citizens’ ski event at 10 a.m., and a skate race will begin at 1 p.m.

Participants can register in competitive or recreational classes.

Both races wind through the beautiful and challenging bluffs and valleys surrounding the Saint Mary’s campus. Tickets are $10 for one race or $20 for both races.

Registration and the finish line will both be near Saint Yon’s Hall, located on the back east portion of campus.

For more information or to receive a registration form, call Gary Borash at (507) 457- 8740 or e-mail gmbora05@smumn.edu.

Flamenco dance highlights next Saint Mary’s ‘Off the Page’ Series

WINONA, Minn. — Experience the excitement and beauty of authentic flamenco dance with Deborah Elias Danza Española Friday, Feb. 3, through Saint Mary’s University’s “Off the Page” Series. The show — which energetically blends together dance, guitar and song — will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Lead dancer Deborah Elias’ rhythmic footwork, graceful arm and hand movements, and hand clapping will be accompanied by the powerful strumming and soulful chords of the guitar to express a wide variety of styles, or palos, from the most serious cante jondo, to the light-hearted cante chico.

Elias is a member of the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Juried Arts in Education Roster of Artists. She has taught at Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, and the University of Minnesota. She also performs and choreographs with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre. She recently presented, in conjunction with the Winona Public Library, “The Moon’s Desire,” a collaboration that revolved around the work of Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorća.

Special guest singer Vicente Griego “is striking for his deep, sonorous wails that seem to come from a cavern, someplace deep within his soul” (Anna Poplawska, “Chicago Artist’s News”). Coming from New Mexico, Griego has devoted his life to the study of cante flamenco, the art of flamenco singing. He has toured the U.S., Canada and Latin America with the Jose Greco II Flamenco Dance Company.

This is the third Saint Mary’s “Off The Page” event — a showcase of Minnesota artists featured in venues around town.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov.4, 2008.

Dance Repertory Company Auditions to be held Jan. 20

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will conduct auditions for the Dance Repertory Company’s annual spring production of Le Corsaire, Friday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The company is seeking intermediate and advanced ballet dancers, females with pointe experience, and community adults with stage or acting experience. Roles are available for those ages 13 and older. Younger students will participate by invitation only.

Interested candidates are asked to bring a photo of themselves, planning calendars, and proper shoes/attire to the audition.

The ballet Le Corsaire, loosely based on a poem by Lord Byron, follows Medora, a beautiful slave girl, and Conrad, a dashing pirate, as they journey through a tapestry of captive maidens, rich sultans, swashbuckling abductions, and dramatic rescues — all culminating in a happy ending. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Adolfe Adam, Le Corsaire continues to delight audiences more than 150 years after its premiere. The DRC will be presenting Le Corsaire April 26‐28 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.

The Dance Repertory Company is the performing troupe of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts of Saint Mary’s University. Company members participate in rehearsals, technique classes and stage performances. Past productions of the company include: The Firebird, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Paquita, Cinderella, Excerpts from Swan Lake, Cinderella, Youth In Motion, Tappin' to Connick, Pure Entertainment, An Evening with Benny Goodman, among others.

For more information about the Dance Repertory Company, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5502.

SMU entrepreneurship students raise money to fight leukemia

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University business students raised $157 for the local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Minnesota during the Fall 2011 academic semester. Each semester, undergraduate entrepreneurship students manage a not-for-profit retail store, aptly named the “Cardinal Corner,” located in the basement of the Toner Student Center.

Students choose products to sell in the store, garner donations from around campus, and sell items for on-campus organizations as part of the Entrepreneurship major at SMU.

Each semester the class chooses to donate their profits to a different charity. This semester, the class chose the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Minnesota. The LLS is the largest health agency devoted to blood cancers. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and families.

Students chose this organization because of a personal connection with fellow classmate, SMU senior Tony Olson. Tony’s grandfather passed away from leukemia in 2008. Olson’s family has been involved with LLS since his grandfather’s death.

Profits from previous semesters have also been donated to causes close to students’ hearts including: the Winona Area Humane Society, Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin, Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance, and Dom Dziecka, a children’s orphanage in Chotomów, Poland.

For more information on the Cardinal Corner or to present your request to the class to be considered as the charity of choice for the semester, contact Jana Craft, at (507) 457-1491 or jcraft@smumn.edu. Become a fan and receive the latest updates at www.facebook.com/cardinalcorner. For more information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, check out their website at www.lls.org.

Saint Mary’s Page Series welcomes Yuval Ron Ensemble Jan. 24

WINONA, Minn. — The Yuval Ron Ensemble will enlighten audiences with a mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Saint Mary’s University. This Page Series event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the SMU Performance Center.

The ensemble endeavors to alleviate national, racial, religious and cultural divides by uniting the music and dance of the opposing people of the Middle East. Throughout the program — “Seeker Of Truth” — the ensemble will perform the ecstatic music of the mystical Sufi traditions of the Middle East and Pakistan with the Whirling Dervish Aziz.

These Jewish and Arabic musicians, as well as Christian Armenian artists, have been actively involved in creating musical bridges between people of various faiths and ethnic groups worldwide. Led by Oscar-winning composer Yuval Ron (who composed music for “West Bank Story,” the Oscar-winning musical-parody of “West Side Story”) the ensemble features the oud, harmonium and woodwinds.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or by calling the SMU Box Office (507) 457-1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saint Mary’s is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of an Institutional Presenter Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Additionally, members of the ensemble will present a lecture and demonstration about the history of their instruments, including the oud, from 9th Century Bagdad to Andalusia. Several songs will be performed. This event – free and open to the public – will be held 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St. These “Page in History” events are made possible through funding from the Xcel Energy Foundation and Winona Community Foundation.

Faculty to display diverse art Jan. 19-March 18 at Saint Mary’s

WINONA, Minn. — Seven faculty members from Saint Mary’s University’s Department of Art & Design will exhibit their work Jan. 19 through March 18 at SMU’s Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

The show, “Verisimilitude,” includes work by Tony Calabrese, Charlie Campbell, Preston Lawing, Rob McColl, Brother Roderick Robertson, Lisa Truax and John Whelan.

An opening reception will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the galleries, located in the Toner Student Center.

The exhibit — free and open to the public — will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Death notice for SMU trustee, alum Brother Michael Collins

It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Brother Michael Collins, FSC ’59, M’65, Ed.D., a current and long-time Saint Mary’s University Trustee, died from cancer on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012.

Brother Michael was serving as president and chief academic administrator of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis. He was a prominent national figure in Catholic, secondary education throughout his distinguished 53-year career. Saint Mary’s University awarded Brother Michael with an honorary Doctorate of Leadership and Service at the 2011 Founder’s Day ceremony.

Visitation will be Friday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. (with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.) at DeLaSalle High School. The funeral Mass will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis (with visitation one hour before Mass). A reception at DeLaSalle High School will follow the Mass.

The Saint Mary’s community extends its sympathy to Brother Michael’s family, to the Christian Brothers of the Midwest District, to the DeLaSalle High School community, and to Brother Michael’s Saint Mary's classmates.

MCA announces registration open house January 5

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts announces the semester II registration open house, Thursday, Jan. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

Registration for Semester II dance and music programming as well as the new visual art division classes will be accepted at the open house. Tours of the facility will be available, refreshments will be served, and students will have the opportunity to meet new and returning faculty and staff. Additionally, students can be fitted for all their dance attire needs at the open house. MCA’s dance attire boutique offers quality basics for children including leotards, tights, ballet slippers, jazz shoes, and tap shoes.

Dance class offerings, beginning Jan. 9, are available for ages 3 to adult and include beginning through advanced levels in classical ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement and modern, hip hop, and a special tuition free boys and men dance program. MCA dance division offers students exciting technique classes and performance opportunities in a nurturing and rigorous but non-competitive environment. Semester II also provides programming specifically for beginning teens and adults by offering classes in partnership with Winona County Community Education, including: Clogging I, Clogging II, Nia, Power Piyo, Teen and Adult Ballet, and Teen and Adult Tap and Jazz. Parents who have a child enrolled in a semester II class at MCA may participate in an adult class or choir tuition-free through the MCA Adult Arts Wellness program.

Academic credit is available to high school and college students through Cotter High School and Saint Mary’s University for a variety of MCA classes. Intermediate and advanced dancers ages 13 to adult are encouraged to audition for MCA’s Dance Repertory Company Spring concert, Le Corsaire. Roles are also available for community adults. Auditions are Friday, Jan. 20, 4 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center.

MCA Music division offerings include Creative Music and Movement for children ages 3 to 4 years old, Winona Area Youth Singers, for students in grades 4-8, a new beginners Guitar class for ages 15 to adult, a Flute Choir for ages 16 to adult, and private instrumental lessons in flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin, cello, piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and voice.

MCA’s new visual art division classes include: Exploring Sculpture for ages 8 – 14, Funtastic BookArts for ages 10 to adult, Intro to Mosaic for ages 14 to adult, Bookbinding -- Two Sewn-Boards Bindings for ages 16 to adult, and Figure Drawing for ages 16 to adult. MCA semester II visual art classes are offered tuition free this semester in celebration of the launch of the visual art division. Material fees apply. Classes held are weekly throughout semester in The Monet Room at MCA's Valéncia Arts Center.

MCA Semester II programming provides 4 to 15 weeks of instruction depending on specific course/activity registered for. Dance classes conclude with a demonstration week, March 19-24. Those dancers in the Dance Repertory Company spring concert, Le Corsaire will perform April 27 and 28 at Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre. Winona Area Youth Singers, members of the MCA flute Choir and selected instrumental lesson students will conclude the semester with the MCA music division spring concert, April 23. Beginner and intermediate music lesson students will have the opportunity to perform in an informal concert on March 1. All music division concerts will be held at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center Recital Hall.

Tuition for MCA programming varies depending on course length and level. Discounts and scholarships are available. This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

For more information about MCA’s open house, or semester II offerings, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5500.